Black bear spotted by resident in Winnebago County

ROCKFORD — A black bear was spotted earlier today in the 2100 block of Geddes Road, just south of North Main Street and Old River Road.

Winnebago County Sheriff’s deputies responded to the call, and a homeowner told them she had spotted a bear eating berries from a bush in her front yard. She said the bear was startled and ran east into a wooded area.

Deputies checked the yard and found a paw print on a nearby garage door about 6 feet up from the ground level. A bird feeder in the yard also had been knocked over.

Further investigation showed that a neighbor had spotted the bear Friday night.

Sheriff’s deputies are working with animal services and other experts on a plan to tranquilize the bear if it is located and other action steps. A phone call alert was issued for residents in the area around Geddes Road.

Authorities remind residents not to approach the bear if they see it but to instead contact the Sheriff’s Department at 815-319-6300 with the location.